At least one thousand eight hundred and forty two (1,842) distress calls have been received by the Ambulance service in Western Region in the past one year, including two hundred and thirty-two (232) maternal-related cases.

According to the service, with the right support and resources, it can deliver beyond the expectations of Ghanaians.

In addition, the Western Regional Ambulance Service is currently operating with 21 ambulances, two of which are undergoing repairs due to mechanical faults.

This was revealed by Western Regional Manager of the service Mr. F.B. Manu during a meeting with Western Regional Minister Hon. Joseph Nelson as part of his familiarisation tour of security installations in the region.

The service, Mr. FB. Manu underscored faces several challenges, including inadequate office space, insufficient staff, and limited resources.

Key Challenges

Office Accommodation: The Takoradi Ambulance station, Daboase, and Amenfi Central are operating from the Regional Headquarters due to lack of office space.

Staff Strength: The service has only 130 staff, with some districts having as few as 4 to 5 personnel, compared to the recommended 12.

Regional Dispatch Centre: The centre is not spacious enough and lacks necessary facilities, making it difficult to coordinate distress calls efficiently.

Administrative Operations: The regional administrative operations are confined to a single room, hindering efficient work.

Mr Manu appealed to the Western Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson, to assist in addressing these challenges. He emphasised the importance of securing office accommodation, increasing staff strength, and improving the Regional Dispatch Centre and administrative operations.

Hon. Joseph Nelson acknowledged the difficulties faced by the ambulance service and assured them of his support. He emphasised the critical role the service plays in health delivery and urged the staff to prioritise saving lives above all other considerations.

The Western Regional Ambulance Service has responded to 1,842 distress calls in the past year, including 232 maternal-related cases.

With the right support and resources, the service can continue to deliver essential emergency medical services to the region.